PM urges teachers to sit for talks and return to schools

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 22: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on teachers to return to schools and engage in dialogue without delay, assuring that the state would address demands that are feasible and sustainable for the national treasury.

Inaugurating the 11th National Convention of the Nepal Progressive Professors’ Association in Kirtipur on Monday, Prime Minister Oli said the current government is not repressive but democratic. The government would address legitimate demands of the professional sector while safeguarding trade union rights, he added, 

“The School Education Bill is currently under consideration in the Parliamentary Committee. There is no need for teachers to take to the streets over the enactment of the law,” he said. 

“The enrolment campaign has already begun. Please return to the schools and assist in student enrolment. Please help in evaluating SEE answer sheets. Don’t be disheartened by my remark that 52 per cent of students failed the SEE. Let us make every effort for quality education,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister added, “The teachers’ movement is harming students and parents and not even benefiting teachers. So please sit for talks immediately and end the protest. This is not the right time for protest, especially at a time when regressive elements are becoming active.”

In another context, Prime Minister Oli said professors must exhibit intellectual engagement against regressive, ultra-leftist, anomalies and anarchic tendencies.

He urged professors to be alert about the emergence of such tendencies and contribute intellectually towards protecting the existing federal democratic republic.

“An aware and educated group like professors can certainly distinguish between democracy and autocracy. No conscious citizen can remain neutral when it comes to shaping the kind of society we want. By practicing democracy, we must strive to develop capable human resources to drive the nation's prosperity,” he said.

“We have talked about Mission 2027. This mission is against anarchists, regressives, uncivilised elements, and efforts to push the country into darkness,” he said, adding, “You all must support it by writing and speaking out intellectually. You must establish your identity as members of the scholarly community.” 

“A country only develops when its citizens are healthy, educated, and skilled. Our priority must be to make citizens healthy, educated, and capable,” he added, 

The Prime Minister urged everyone to consider how to make education accessible to all and to provide quality education. He also reminded them to reflect on how knowledge is acquired, collected and disseminated.

Stating that the organisation was born out of a movement for rights, he urged it to play an effective role in future reforms in the higher education sector.